POC Receptor Backcountry ski helmet featuring high gloss injection moulded polycarbonate alloy (PC/ABS) outer shell, combined with an inner layer of PC/PTFE. The two shells are designed to rotate separately during a crash to lessen the effect of oblique impacts on the head. The outer shell is co-moulded with an impact resistant expanded polypropylene (EPP) inner layer.
Airbag covers are typically injection moulded thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). The material must be robust enough to withstand daily use, but able to breakaway in a controlled manner when the airbag is deployed.
A Fraunhofer ICT concept for expanded polylactic acid (EPLA) foam safety helmet. EPLA is roughly equivalent to the price of expanded polypropylene (EPP), but more expensive than expanded polystyrene (EPS).
Dodge ski boots featuring Bond Laminates glass and carbon fibre reinforced thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) upper, and polyurethane resin (PUR) 3D dome logo sticker
Expanded thermoplastic polyurethane (ETPU) midsole. ETPU is known for its superior performance in footwear due to its durability and flexibility. Image Covestro.
Moulded shoe soles with up to 30% recycled material. BASF has developed polyurethane resin (PUR) foams with thermoplastic properties that can be processed together with thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) in the injection moulding process. Image BASF.
NRS paddle shoe. They are produced with Terraprene, a neoprene derived from limestone and recycled tyres. Other examples of neoprene made from limestone include Bioprene and Geoprene. Image NRS.
Memory foam (viscoelastic) polyurethane resin (PUR) is common in mattresses, upholstery and backpack padding. It is an open cell flexible foam, 30-100 kg/m3, characterised by slow recovery rate after deformation. This property is also particularly useful in hospital beds, to prevent pressure injuries in patients immobilised for long periods.
Rofi demining face mask, providing ballistic protection when clearing mine fields. The mask is produced from 5 mm thick compression moulded DIT Weaving self-reinforced polypropylene (SR-PP), the eye protection is 5 mm clear polycarbonate (PC) and the sun visor is acrylic coated acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS-PMMA).
Close-up of meltblown polypropylene (PP). The ultra fine fibres are welded in a diamond pattern to lock them in place. This kind of textile is used for personal protective equipment (PPE), such as face masks, as well as filtration (ink cartridges) and acoustic insulation (kitchen appliances and automotive).
A pultruded glass fibre reinforced polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA-GF) subway emergency exit walkway. The advantages of composites over metal for these type of applications include non-conductivity, lightweight for ease of installation, and resistance to corrosion and chemicals.
Woven laminated airbag made with polyamide (PA), nylon, fibre and a fluid silicone coating. Alternatively, an impermeable film is laminated onto the nylon fabric to help maintain air pressure when inflated. The seams are welded for maximum resistance to tearing.
Astronaut Scott Parazynski during a spacewalk on STS-120. The ultra-thin gold coating on the visor provides protection from harmful solar radiation. Image NASA.
KTM Technologies motorcycle brake cover. It consists of a pre-formed epoxy flax composite panel, made with Bcomp's ampliTex, combined with an injection moulded polyamide 6 (PA6), nylon trim.
Norafin fire protection nonwoven, with an embossed profile, made up of 65% Kermel (polyamide-imide) and 35% p-aramid. These fibres and fabrics are used in heat and fire protective clothing. Kermel is often used where high resistance to physical damage is required while fire fighting.
Spot Material is a database of materials for sustainable design, curated by Rob Thompson. Compare properties, carbon and end of life, find better alternatives and discover new material innovations. Browse all materials
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